Florida Mortgage Rates

Florida Mortgage Overview

If sunshine and warm weather are something you love, Florida, the flattest state in the country is a great place to live. Popular with tourists and retirees, Florida is also a great place for first-time homebuyers. Its median home price is just $215,000, which makes it an affordable place for first-time buyers to live.

If you're thinking about moving to Florida, here are the top first-time homebuyer loans you can choose from:

Florida conventional loans

Do you have great credit and a low debt-to-income ratio? The Florida conventional loan provides low interest rates for borrowers with credit scores of 660 or higher. You'll also need average debt ratios of around 36 - 40%. Conventional loans require just a 3 percent down payment, and you'll pay PMI until you owe less than 80 percent of the home's value.

Florida FHA loans

Borrowers with credit issues or high debt ratios have luck with Florida FHA loans. With just 3.5 percent down and at least a 580 credit score, you can buy your first home. FHA loans have flexible debt ratio guidelines but do require mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Borrowers with credit scores between 500 - 579 may qualify too, but with a 10 percent down payment.

Florida VA loans

Veterans have the distinct advantage of the VA loan, which offers 100 percent financing. You don't need great credit or a low debt ratio. As long as you prove you have a stable income and can afford your bills and the daily cost of living, you're on your way to a flexible loan.

Florida USDA loans

Florida has plenty of 'rural' areas according to the USDA guidelines. Low to moderate-income families who don't qualify for any other loan program may be eligible for this 100 percent financing loan. You need a 640 credit score and a debt ratio around 41 percent to qualify.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Florida

Down payment assistant program

Florida residents can receive down payment assistance as a second mortgage. There are no payments due on the loan, but the full amount is due when you sell the home or refinance the loan.

Salute our Soldiers

This veteran's program helps veterans secure a first mortgage with lower than average rates, plus get down payment and closing cost assistance.

Florida First-Time Homebuyer Program

If your income doesn't exceed the guidelines, and the home price is within the purchase limits, you may secure more favorable terms with the Florida First-Time Homebuyer program with lower interest rates and costs on your first loan.